As a global nutrition company, our goal is to offer our customers a balanced diet every day. However, it can sometimes be difficult to meet daily nutritional needs. Our lives are so busy with work, school or family commitments that planning and preparing healthy meals and snacks is often an afterthought.
A healthy lifestyle is all about a balanced diet. That's why we created our signature protein shake, Herbalife Nutrition Formula 1 Healthy Meal Nutritional Shake Mix.
Formula 1 is a delicious, easy to prepare shake that offers the perfect balance of protein, fibre, vitamins and minerals. There are over five million Formula 1 cocktails worldwideeaten every day.
Formula 1 protein shakes can be used in many ways, for example:
- A quick, balanced meal for breakfast, lunch or dinner
- Meal replacement for weight loss*
- Dietary supplements to support weight gain or to increase protein intake
- A way to recharge your batteries before or after your workout
- A means of improving nutrient balance
What is Formula 1?
Formula 1 is a complete, convenient meal that provides your body with the nutrients it needs. Its plant-based protein formula was developed by nutritionists and food scientists and is based on the latest research showing the effectiveness of meal replacements, diet and exerciseway to a healthy weight**. According to a systematic review and meta-analysis of 14 studies,University of Oxfordfound that meal replacement programs resulted in greater weight loss compared to alternative diets.
But the Formula 1 shake can be part of any balanced daily diet. Whether your focus is on losing weight, building muscle mass, maintaining a good diet, or all of the above, Formula 1 is an important addition to your more conscious eating and regular exercise routine.
Formula 1 shake made with 8 ounces of liquid non-fat milk or soy milk contains:
- 21 vitamins and minerals help fill nutrient gaps
- Excellent source of antioxidants such as vitamin A (as beta-carotene), C and E
- 17g Protein
- 3g fiber
- 170 calories rich in nutrients
Formula 1 for everyone
Formula 1 is based on solid science and millions of customers can attest that the variety of flavors is delicious. In North America we have flavors like Cookies 'n Cream, Wild Berry, Dulce de Leche, Dutch Chocolate, Pumpkin Spice and more. My personal favorite is the banana caramel.
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We have grown in other marketsregional flavorsto help customers around the world better achieve their nutritional goals. Examples include Kulfi Formula 1 in India, Matcha and Red Bean Formula 1 in China, Cantaloupe Formula 1 in Russia and Chocolate Hazelnut Formula 1 in South and Central America.
For those with special dietary restrictions or allergies, we have also developed Formula 1 versions to meet the needs of those on a vegetarian, gluten-free, kosher, vegan or soy-free diet. For example oursFormula 1 Select a rowis a gluten free, AVA certified vegetarian blend, made with pea, quinoa and rice proteins, non-GMO ingredients and is kosher certified. Similar,Choose a triple mix, available in some European markets, is our first 100% vegan protein shake made with peas, quinoa and flaxseed.
Formula 1 and its glycemic index value
The glycemic index (GI) is a method of quantifying the effect of carbohydrate-rich foods on blood sugar levels. When these foods are digested and absorbed, the end result is a spike in blood sugar (or blood sugar), which serves as the main fuel for the muscles and brain. Because not all of them affect blood sugar levels in the same way, the GI is used to classify foods according to how much and how quickly they raise blood sugar levels when eaten.
Many high GI carbohydrates are highly refined, easily digested and absorbed—like white bread, white rice, pasta, or sweet foods—and have a GI score of 70 and above. These foods tend to cause a rapid spike in blood sugar levels. However, these spikes are often followed by sharp declines that can lead to cravings for more high GI foods to restore blood sugar levels and keep you physically and mentally energized. The end result can be a “roller coaster ride” of high and low blood sugar levels throughout the day.
Low GI foods with a GI of 55 or less include non-starchy vegetables, whole grains, beans and lentils, apples, blueberries, and oranges. They release carbohydrates into the bloodstream more slowly, so there are fewer spikes in blood sugar and energy levels last longer. In addition, several Formula 1 flavors carry the low glycemic index symbol and are certified by the Glycemic Index Foundation. For those on a low-carb diet, this information can be helpful when planning meals.
Different ways to customize the F1 cocktail
In addition to a wide variety of flavors, the Formula 1 shake can be tailored to suit your individual nutritional needs, tastes or preferences.
Which milk should be used for Formula 1?
Label directions suggest mixing Formula 1 with milk or soy milk as these supplement the protein in the shake mix and provide additional vitamins and minerals to make the finished shake nutritionally complete.
There are many alternatives to soy milk, but they can vary widely in terms of calorie and protein content. To maximize your protein content, pea-based milk is your best option — most brands match the 8 grams of protein you get in a cup of dairy or soy milk. Most nut-based dairy products don't contain a lot of protein — only about 1 gram per cup. So if you use them, be sure to add more protein to your shake to achieve the 17 grams that you get when you prepare the shake according to the label directions.
Ways to customize your cocktail
Add more protein
Although Formula 1 already contains protein, you may want to add more if your protein needs are high. You can add a regular protein powder like Herbalife NutritionPersonalized protein powderOr add low-fat cottage cheese, yogurt, ricotta cheese, or silken tofu to boost the protein content.
For a higher protein shake, many of our customers prefer a water-based mix consisting of one serving of Herbalife Nutrition Formula 1 and one serving of our Protein Drink Mix - a combination that packs 24 grams of protein. With the different flavors of Formula 1 and Protein Drink Blend to choose from, the flavor combinations are almost endless. If you are interested in post-workout and recovery products, you can also check out our dedicated sports nutrition line.Herbalife24.
Add fruits and vegetables
Adding fruits and vegetables to your Formula 1 protein shake is an easy way to incorporate more of these healthy foods into your daily diet. Frozen fruits and vegetables are convenient and add a thicker texture to protein shakes. Experiment with different fruits and veggies (you can start with sweeter veggies like carrots or butternut squash) and try different combinations — say, pineapple with carrots or banana with butternut squash.
If you're feeling a little bolder, try adding more unusual ingredients to your smoothie, like baby spinach leaves or beets.
Add beneficial fats
Seeds like flaxseed, hemp, chia, or sunflower seeds add some texture to the smoothie and add some minerals (especially copper and zinc) and omega-3 fatty acids. Nut butter – made from almonds, walnuts or pistachios, for example – also provides zinc and copper as well as some protein and fiber.
Add fiber
Most people don't get as much fiber as they should. So try adding high-fiber foods to your Formula 1 shakes. In addition to fruit and vegetables, oatmeal, bran or seeds such as sunflower, flax or chia seeds also provide fiber.
Another great addition to smoothies is the Herbalife Nutrition Active Fiber Complex: a blend of soluble and insoluble fiber with 5 grams of fiber per serving.
Add herbs and spices
Try some sweet cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice or cloves, or add some tangy spiciness with ginger or even some white pepper. Being plant-based, spices also provide nutrients and antioxidants. You may not have thought of adding herbs to your smoothie, but there are many herbs that work really well, such as mint, rosemary, thyme, or basil.
Add extracts and zest
A dash of fresh lemon or orange zest will add a bright, fresh flavor to your smoothie, and citrus zest also contains healthy oils. I also like to have all sorts of extracts on hand - like pure vanilla, almond, coconut and peppermint for an extra flavor boost.
Add ingredients that support digestive health
Herbal aloe concentrategives your shake a mildly sweet taste and supports the absorption of nutrients in the digestive tract. Yogurt contains probiotics — “good” bacteria that support digestive health. Ginger and peppermint are known to aid in the digestive process. Chia seeds are a very rich source of soluble fiber, which supports the growth of good bacteria in the gut.
Add more calories
If your calorie needs are high, you can add oatmeal, nuts, peanut butter, avocados, or dried fruit to increase the calorie content of the smoothie.
Add ice to a protein shake.
Ice is a good addition to a cocktail as it thickens the liquid. Ice also adds bulk to the shake, increasing serving size without adding calories. This is a great trick for those who watch their weight.
Our everyday life can be complicated, but a balanced diet should not be. Every meal and snack is an opportunity to improve your diet and ensure you're consuming the nutrient-dense calories you need to replenish and rebuild. Formula 1 can be the foundation of a healthy diet and lifestyle, and that's with so many cooking optionsleckere ShakesHere everyone will find a cocktail that suits them.
*Clinical studies of US Formula 1 products (one study) and similar products have shown that Formula 1 shakes taken twice a day as part of a calorie-restricted diet help with weight loss.
**Research is needed to determine the expected results of weight loss or weight maintenance programs using only Herbalife Nutrition products.
Susan Bowerman M.S., R.D., CSSD, CSOWM, FAND – Starszy-Direktorin, Worldwide Nutrition Education and Training
Susan Bowerman is Senior Director of Worldwide Nutrition Education and Training at Herbalife. She also serves as Vice Chair of the Dietetics Advisory Board (DAB). As a Registered Dietitian, she educates distributors on our global nutrition philosophy and is responsible for the development of nutrition education and training materials. Bowerman earned a bachelor's degree in biology with honors from the University of Colorado and an M.S. in Food Science and Nutrition from Colorado State University. She is a scholarship holder of the Academy for Nutrition and Dietetics and has two professional certificates as a specialist in sports nutrition and obesity and weight management. When she is not teaching and writing, Susan enjoys spending time with her family, cooking and gardening. Her favorite Herbalife products are Simply Probiotic and Herbalife Formula 1 Healthy Meal Shake Mix Banana Caramel.